What are the definitions of “kick up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cause trouble or pain.
My back KICKS UP when it gets cold.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kick up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kick up is to cause trouble or pain. It is often used to describe a situation where something starts to cause discomfort or problems.
What are the different verb forms of “kick up”?
| Root Verb | kick up |
| Third Person Singular Present | kicks up |
| Present Participle | kicking up |
| Simple Past | kicked up |
| Past Participle | kicked up |
Example
When the weather changes, my allergies kick up.
Example
Her knee kicks up whenever she runs too much.
Example
The wind is kicking up a lot of dust today.
Example
The storm kicked up a lot of debris in the yard.
Example
The argument kicked up a lot of tension between them.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kick up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“kick up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
My allergies always kick up during spring.
Example
The wind kicked up suddenly, making it difficult to walk.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“kick up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
My allergies always kick up during spring.
Example
The wind kicked up suddenly, making it difficult to walk.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kick up”?
Good things to know
Does “kick up” have an informal or formal tone?
Kick up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'cause discomfort' or 'create problems' depending on the context.
